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Dark circles are caused by factors such as lack of sleep, genetics, aging, or stress. Covering up the dark circles with makeup is a timeless trick, and you need the best under-eye brightening powder to get the perfect look. Under-eye brightening powders are often available in pressed powder or loose powder variations and are easy to apply and carry throughout the day. They are known for being lightweight and help diffuse the under-eye darkness by bringing light. In addition, these brightening powders are made for different skin types, unlike concealers.
Just take a fluffy brush and dab some brightening powder directly on your under-eye, and voila, there are no creases or puffiness under the eyes. This fine powder helps in creating depth by illuminating the under-eye area. So, check out the under-eye brightening powders, known for their proven efficacy, that we have listed here and choose one to mask those dark circles.
Top Picks
Here we have listed some of the best under-eye brightening powders to brighten your eyes.
11 Best Under-Eye Brightening Powders
1. Best Cruelty-Free:Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder
Enhance your makeup look with this setting powder. The Dermablend loose setting powder is ideal for setting and baking makeup. This translucent powder can brighten the dark circles and other areas of your face by absorbing the excess oil and provides a matte finish. It is available in three shades, and the original translucent powder is suitable for all skin types and a wide range of skin tones. It keeps your makeup smudge- and transfer-resistant while keeping it up to 16 hours long. The dermatologically tested product is cruelty-free. This dermatologist-tested loose setting powder is also free from phthalates, triclosan, SLS, high-performance pigments, and fragrances. Here’s a brief testing video you can watch to make the most out of this product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Ideal for touch-ups and layering
- Sensitive skin-safe and allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
Cons
- Application may be slightly messy
- May leave a white cast for some
"This powder suits my skin perfectly! It absorbs oil while leaving a glow without irritation and is great for a long-lasting finish."
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 11,047 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Mattifying:L’oreal Paris Infallible Pro Sweep & Lock Translucent Setting Powder
If you have dark circles and oily skin that make your makeup look shiny and cakey, this setting powder from L’oreal might work. This celebrity-endorsed pro-sweep and lock powder can help lock the excess oil, set your makeup, brighten under eyes, conceal creases and appearance of pores, and give you a matte finish all day. It can even mattify your lips and leaves a lighter feel on your dry skin. Check out this product review video showcasing a reviewer’s experience to learn more.
Pros
- Micro-fine powder
- Blurs fine lines
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- Blends smoothly
- Has no added fragrance
Cons
- May contain talc
- Size may be small for some
"I've always struggled with sweat, but this powder works effectively for all-day makeup hold and shine control, even after heavy workouts. Since it is loose, it's a little tricky to use. However, it keeps my eye makeup in place and makes my skin look smooth."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,289 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
3. Best Natural Finish:Bare Minerals Well Rested Under Eye Brightener SPF 20
Long sleepless nights that show on your face are no longer a problem with Bare Minerals under-eye setting powder. This eye-brightening powder will instantly give you a wide-awake look while it helps to conceal the puffiness of your eyes. The added advantage of SPF 20 will protect the delicate eye skin from harmful sun rays. It is suitable for all skin types and gives a natural finish with its lightweight formula. This vegan and cruelty-free translucent powder is safe on your skin. It is free from parabens, talc, gluten, SLS, synthetic fragrances, tree nuts, and PEG. You can watch the video by one of the reviewers to understand how to use this loose mineral setting powder.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Has a non-drying feel
- Doesn’t leave a cakey residue
Cons
- Shade may be dark for pale skin
- May provide low to medium coverage
"As someone who has used a variety of concealers, this one is easily one of my favorites. It covers age spots, under-eye circles, and even redness. A little goes a long way, and it's a solid choice if you find a shade that suits you."
Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder Best Cruelty-Free | L'oreal Paris Infallible Pro Sweep & Lock Translucent Setting Powder Best Mattifying | Bare Minerals Well Rested Under Eye Brightener SPF 20 Best Natural Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Combination, Oily Sensitive, Normal | Normal | All |
| Color | Original Translucent | Translucent | Honey Bisque |
| Dimensions | 2.69 x 2.69 x 3.5 inches | 2.32 x 2.32 x 1.14 inches | - |
| Weight | 2.4 Ounces | 1.3 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 11,047 | 4,289 | 2,374 |
| Price | $29 | $6.34 | $17.75 |
4. Best Multi-Purpose:It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Loose Setting Powder
Use Bye Bye pores loose setting powder and under-eye concealer from It cosmetics to mask the dark circles with a natural look. This results-driven multi-purpose loose powder is made of real silk to conceal the appearance of pores. It contains skin-building ingredients, including collagen, peptides, and antioxidants for a shine-free, airbrushed finish. This powder provides a natural matte finish and can mask wrinkles and improve skin texture with its anti-aging properties. The powder is suitable for all skin tones and can be used on make-up and on bare skin. Use a fluffy brush to apply the powder for the best results.
Pros
- Translucent formula
- Smoothens the skin
- Suitable for mature skin
- Developed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons
- Supports the skin’s elasticity
Cons
- Enlarged pores may be slightly visible
- Quantity may not be sufficient for some
"In my experience, this is one of the best setting powders. It gives a natural, matte finish without the heaviness. It also helps reduce oiliness, giving a rather silky effect that maintains my skin's natural texture and tone."
Point to considerWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,549 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
5. Best Skin-Friendly:Aesthetica Banana Loose Setting Powder
Aesthetica banana setting powder helps to tint down the redness and blotchiness on your face and neutralizes the dark circles under your eyes. You can use it all over your face if you have fair to darker skin with a yellow undertone. This professional-grade weightless loose powder will also help seal the pores and blur the fine lines. It absorbs the excess oil and controls the shine from your makeup, giving a natural finish. This product is 100% vegan, travel-friendly, and cruelty-free. The formula of this weightless powder is also free of parabens, gluten, and talc. Use a powder puff or a fluffy foundation brush to apply the powder for a better finish.
Pros
- Lightweight and starch-free formula
- Comes with a powder sifter
- Flash-friendly product
- Includes a velour puff for even application
Cons
- May have a pearlized finish
- May add a slight color
"While I like that this powder comes in a generous quantity and is effective for my oily skin, I’ve noticed that it requires a little more effort to blend well. I’m satisfied with the consistency, and it does handle shine and stays put."
6. Best Lightweight:Maybelline Lasting Fix Banana Translucent Setting Powder
Banana setting powder from Maybelline is suitable for all skin types. It can be used either alone to instantly conceal pores and dark under eyes or with makeup to make it stay all day. Use it on the concealer to bake your makeup and dust off the excess powder after five minutes. Known for providing visible results, the translucent setting powder shade is suitable for getting a natural and matte finish look while minimizing shine on your face. When dusted under your eyes, this microfine powder can mask the dark under-eye circles, conceal the fine lines, and improve skin texture.
Pros
- Blends smoothly on the skin
- Brightens skin tone
- Translucent coverage
- Lightweight texture
- Offers oil-free finish
- Extends the wear of the foundation
Cons
- May not neutralize redness
- May look a smidge greasy on some
"Having given this powder a try, I must say that its lightweight feel is perfect for my skin. The coverage is decent and stays put through long events and humid days. The application may be messy, but it’s worth it for the silky, poreless finish."
7. Best Long-Lasting:Bellapierre Banana Setting Powder
Try this Banana Setting Powder by bellapierre that keeps makeup fresh throughout the day. It is available in two shades to choose for your skin tone, although both shades work for all skin types because of their translucent feature. This under-eye setting powder has a yellow hue to lighten the dark spots and make your skin look even and toned. Apply this professional-grade powder under your eyes to diminish the dark circles for an awakened look. You can also use this as a base for your eyeshadow, and it can bake your makeup. It helps in color correction if you have unevenly pigmented areas on your face. Use a powder brush for even application and a perfect look.
Pros
- Doesn’t look cakey
- Easily glides on the skin
- Non-toxic
- Minimizes redness
- Formulated with no talc, parabens, and fragrance
Cons
- May clog pores
- Yellow shade may be a bit dark for some
"I’d say this powder conceals blemishes fairly well. Although it can’t replace a concealer, it evens out the skin tone and adds a subtle glow. It usually stays long enough, but I need to touch up on humid days."
8. Best Brightening:Becca Under Eye Brightening Powder
Specially designed to lighten the dark circles, this under-eye brightening powder is suitable for all skin types. It is made of light-reflecting ingredients to brighten and blur your dark circles. After you prime and conceal your dark under eyes, applying this brightening powder will help prevent the cakey and creased look. The Australian berry complex will nourish the delicate eye skin with antioxidants, while raspberry extract will hydrate the skin. If you have oily skin, you may apply this highlighter powder to the T-zone to absorb excess oil.
Pros
- Provides full coverage
- Smoothens the skin
- Blends well for smooth application
- Flash-friendly
Cons
- May seem opaque
- Powder may not be sweat-proof
"I stumbled upon this one by chance, and it’s worked out pretty well for me. It’s creamy and easy to blend. I usually use it for a quick touch-up to look more awake, and it’s best when paired with foundation."
Beauty tip9. Best Weightless Concealer:Alima Pure Concealer
Alima’s weightless powder formula with its velvety texture helps neutralize the dark under circles and even out the skin tone. This is a mineral concealer containing zinc oxide and mica to provide a smooth finish to your everyday makeup. Use the sand shade for light skin tones, linen shade for light to medium skin tones, amber for medium skin with warm undertones, tan for medium skin with neutral undertones, flax for medium skin with cool undertones, and maple shade for medium-deep skin tones. The gentle pigments and soothing ingredients can hide the blemishes on sensitive skin. This loose mineral setting powder is made of vegan products and has no harmful chemicals, such as talc, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. The beauty setting powder instantly sets and allows makeup to last longer on the skin.
Pros
- Not tested on animals
- Fine powder leaves a smooth finish
- Free of nuts and silicone
- Available in six shades
Cons
- May not last long
- May be slightly cakey
10. Best Transparent:Kaja Joystick Under-Eye Brightening Powder
Kaja under-eye brightening powder is a pressed powder and a Korean beauty product. This silky textured pressed powder works well for setting and brightening under-eye makeup. The ultra-transparent powder can instantly brighten up the dark circles when used alone. You can use this silky powder on makeup to prevent clumpiness and creases under the eyes and touch up the T-zone and other areas to control shine, reflect light, and achieve a smooth and natural finish. This Kaja under-eye brightening powder is easy to apply as it comes with a joystick-inspired brush. Just swirl the brush, twist it open, dab the extra powder and apply. It is available in two colors to suit different skin types.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Offers mess-free application
- Natural dewy finish formula
- Keeps the skin cool and shine-free
- Built-in brush
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
Cons
- Size may be smaller than expected
- Shade may be slightly misleading
"This powder caught my attention for its refreshing effect around my eyes. Its matte finish works well with my makeup routine. Also, the applicator brush is convenient for easy use. I'm pretty happy with this product."
11. Best Smooth-Textured:Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder For Under Eyes
Brighten up tired and dull-looking under-eye skin with the Laura Mercier loose setting powder. It is available in sheer and pigmented shades, making it suitable for a wide range of skin tones. The brightening powder can camouflage various under-eye imperfections and make your concealer last long. This dermatologist-tested lightweight powder has micronized pigments that do not get trapped into the fine lines but rather offer an instant radiant finish, making it suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Soft sheer finish
- Lightweight formula
- Seamlessly masks all imperfections
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- May be slightly sticky
- May contain talc
"This brightening powder is pretty effective in reducing the visibility of dark circles. It also gives a sort of brightening effect without settling into fine lines. I usually pair it with a concealer, and it provides a subtle sparkle."
How To Choose The Right Under Eye Brightener Powder?
Here are some factors to consider while choosing an under-eye brightener powder.
1. Skin type: Most under-eye brightening powders are suitable for all skin types, while some best under-eye brighteners are not made for all skin types. Check the suitability before you make a pick. If you have dry skin, you have to be careful with powder – you may want to use a pressed powder as these are often less drying when compared to loose powders.
2. Shine quotient: Under-eye brightening powders are translucent and slightly shimmer to diffuse the light. Avoid too much shimmer, as these powders can highlight the dips and dark areas. Also, avoid silver pigment powders if you have a dark skin tone, as they may leave a white cast under your eyes.
3. Multi purpose: Choose a brightening powder you can use in multiple ways, either on a concealer to prevent the creases and patchy look or alone for simply brightening up the dark areas. It is better to use the same brightening powder to absorb the excess oil and shine from all other areas on your face to make it look natural and fresh.
4. Flash-friendly: Check if the brightening powder is flash-friendly or not so you can prevent white cast in the photos.
Simone De Vlaming, a beauty blogger, says, “Compact powder is similar to a light foundation or concealer and setting powder combined, providing more coverage than other powders. It is also ideal for people with a combination to dry skin since the oils help to keep the skin moisturized. However, loose powder is usually applied with a brush and patted onto the skin. Its purpose is to absorb any oils on the skin and prevent makeup from melting, making it ideal for people with oily skin. Its translucence gives it a natural, matte finish that appeals to many.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is pressed or loose powder better for the under-eye area?
It depends on your skin-type and needs. Loose powder could be a better option if you have oily skin as it has less oil content. If you’re looking for something compact and travel-friendly, then pressed powder facilitates on-the-go touch-ups. Loose powders could also do a better job at covering wrinkles due to their fine texture.
2. Is a setting powder good for dark circles?
Most setting powders have color correcting and light-reflecting properties that can temporarily conceal your dark circles while brightening your under-eye area.
3. What is the difference between an eye brightener and a concealer?
Concealers mainly cover blemishes and other imperfections but may feel a bit cakey under the eye owing to their thick consistency. Eye brighteners, on the other hand, help concealers stay in place and are specially designed keeping the delicate under-eye skin in mind. Besides, they contain reflective particles that bestow an illuminating effect apart from just hiding dark circles.
4. Should I put eye brightener on before or after applying foundation?
When using loose powder for eye brightening, the foundation needs to be applied beforehand. When using a pressed powder, foundation may not be necessary as most pressed powders are heavy and creamy enough to function independently.
5. Where do you put under eye brightener?
Apart from applying the eye brightener, on the area below the lower eye-lids to conceal dark circles, the brightener can also be used under the eyebrows for defining them better.
6. How should I use eye brightening powder?
The trick is to thoroughly blend a small amount of powder to avoid a cakey look. Instead of using a sponge, use a small, fluffy blending brush for application. When using a foundation and a concealer, both need to be applied before the eye brightening powder. Always make sure to apply carefully to avoid eye irritation.
7. Can I correct dark circles under my eyes using brightening powders?
Under-eye brightening powders can only temporarily hide the dark circles. To correct them permanently, you need to find a solution based on the cause, such as stress, smoking, over or under sleeping, aging, allergies, sun damage, genetics, and dehydration. However, a pink, peach, green or lavender color corrector shades can provide temporary coverage of dark circles.
The best under-eye brightening powders can help reduce the dark circles and puffiness around your eyes. Since they are a go-to solution to keep a check on the signs of aging, picking one that works for you and gives you the desired results should be a priority. This article consists of a diverse list of such brightening powders. Pick the right one for you based on factors such as the amount of shimmer, flash-friendliness, and whether it suits your skin type.
Infographic: What Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles happen due to different exogenous and endogenous factors but are sure to make you look tired and sickly. They may also look purple or brown based on your skin color. Go through the infographic to learn about the reasons that cause dark circles. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a fashion and makeup products reviewer and writer. With her vast experience and profound knowledge of these segments, she creates well-sorted product lists for her readers. In this article, she collated a list of the best under-eye brightening powders that mask under-eye puffiness and dark circles effortlessly. These high-coverage products are compact, easy to carry, and suitable for most skin types. Poulami has listed each product after studying numerous makeup expert reviews online. Also, she provided each product’s description and a buying guide to help you make a well-compared choice.
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